Currently there is evidence of limited community transmission of COVID-19, and the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) recommends that all households should be prepared by having a supply of masks for each household member.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Face masks can be either fabric reusable (washable), or a single use disposable face mask. These can be purchased online, from supermarkets or pharmacies or you can make your own fabric reusable (washable) face masks. WHO advice on when and how to use masks including how to make your own can be found on the WHO website
Face coverings such as a bandana or a scarf can also be used if you do not have a mask.
People need to assess their individual requirements for masks. The Ministry recommends approximately four fabric reusable (washable) face masks per family member.
How face masks can help protect you against COVID-19
Wearing a face mask can reduce the risk of people who have COVID-19, spreading the virus to others. They may feel well or have no obvious symptoms. A face mask can help stop infectious droplets spreading when they speak, laugh, cough or sneeze. This is referred to as ‘source control’.
At Alert Level 2 (currently applies to outside of Auckland). You can still go to work and school, but you should:
• keep your distance (2 metres in public) from other people
• clean your hands often
• sneeze and cough into your elbow
• keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen (use the NZ COVID Tracer App)
• consider wearing a mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible.
• from 11.59 pm on Sunday 30 August 2020 wear a mask on buses, trains, ferries, and in taxis, Ubers and on all flights. (face coverings such as a bandana or a scarf can also be used if you don’t have a mask.)
Information for school settings:
• At school, children and young people do not need to wear masks.
• For tertiary students, while not mandatory, wearing masks is advised where it is not possible to practise social distancing or to carry out contact tracing. This includes, for example, in crowded spaces on campus, or teaching and learning situations where close physical contact cannot be avoided.
Under Alert Level 3 (currently Auckland Region only) you should continue to stay in your household bubbles whenever you are not at work or school. You should stay within your household bubble but can expand this to connect with close family/whānau, or bring in caregivers, or to support isolated people.
• Keep your distance (2 metres in public) from other people.
• Clean your hands often.
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
• Keep a track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen (use the NZ COVID Tracer App).
• It is highly recommended that you wear a mask or face covering as described above when you are out in public.
• From 11.59 pm on Sunday 30 August 2020 wear a mask on buses, trains, ferries, and in taxis, Ubers and on all flights.
-from the Ministry of Health, New Zealand (more details are here.)